Texas leaders are trying to force a vote on a new congressional map that heavily favors Republicans — teeing up a showdown with dozens of Democrats in the state.

On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott escalated the feud, filing a lawsuit asking the State Supreme Court to expel Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus. Abbott argued that Wu forfeited his office by leaving the state.

The redistricting battle in Texas continues to escalate as Republican Gov. Greg Abbott urged the state Supreme Court to remove state Rep. Gene Wu, the chairman of the Texas House Democratic caucus.Abbott argued that Wu has "forfeited" his office by fleeing the state along with other Democratic lawmakers to prevent the quorum necessary for Texas House to vote on enacting the new GOP-proposed congressional map -- with Republican control of the U.